The city’s public health department sets the COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan in Philadelphia under the federal Center for Disease Control guidance. 

There is currently not enough supply to vaccinate every person that wants it. As a result, the plan sets a priority for the people who are most likely to be exposed to the COVID-19 virus through their work or living situation and those at the highest risk of severe symptoms or mortality. The phases go from 1A being the most critical to 2 being the general adult population not covered during the other stages.

The city is currently at stage 1B of the vaccination plan. This stage, which started on January 19, includes first responders and those that work in food distribution. Individuals seventy-five years of age or older and those with high-risk medical conditions are also covered. 

It is important to figure out what stage of the vaccination you fall under to ensure that you are ready to receive the vaccine as soon as it becomes available to you. 

You can sign up for more information at https://covid-vaccine-interest.phila.gov/. A representative from the city will contact you as soon as you become eligible with the guidance of where you can go for your vaccine. 

While waiting, it is vital to continue to wear a mask and to follow social distancing and guidelines, including limiting indoor gatherings. 

The end of the pandemic is in sight, and we must all do our part to keep our families and communities safe.